Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allObtaining refund from the developer for project delay


11
Q: I booked an off-plan studio in R.E.P. DIP. The developer posts to me the contract to sign. I signed the contract and posted it back to their address.
The texture property In Dubai has been dealing and I transferred 10% to reserve the unit in June 2015. I have paid over 30% until the end of Dec 2016.
I stopped paying the rest of instalments because after viewing 0% construction report through DLD website and neither developer has provided me Oqood.
There is still no construction as per the DLD report for project number 1514. I am considering to get a refund.
The total price of the studio is AED 330000. 10% at the outset, 36 equal instalments during construction, 20% on handover and 18 equal instalments after the handover.
I have paid 10% and 18 equal instalments out of 36 during the construction as per contract. Total AED 109,973.94 paid: AED 109,973.00
What are the possibilities to get a refund from the developer? How much would it cost?



Apr 19, 2018
5730
Refund of reservation amount paid for real estate property in Dubai
1
Q: I reserved a unit with Azizi and while paying my first instalment I was billed twice by them. They apologised for the mistake and agreed to reverse the amount within a week but they took more than a month and a half to return my money after repeated calls & follow up.
I've paid the booking amount, the first instalment, Oqood fees and their administration fees. I have only signed a reservation form with them and no terms and conditions have been mentioned about cancellation which I guess should be there in the SPA and not in the reservation form.
I would like to know if it is possible to cancel my purchase at this stage (I have not signed the SPA yet)?
They have not registered my unit online on Oqood as yet so can I ask them not to do this as I wish to cancel?
What amount will be refunded by them if I cancel?
Can the DLD set a deadline with terms and conditions for them to return the required amount so that I get it as soon as possible?
Your guidance will be highly appreciated.

Nov 16, 2017
4737
Restitution of down payment after cancellation of the booking
1
Q: Hello!
I bought an apartment in Dubai 1 month ago from a developer and the owner is [------].
A few days ago, the agent called me to say that there are some problems with the building named studio 101 and if I want to cancel my booking to come to the office.
I went to the office and I signed the cancellation form. After a day, I found out that they closed the office so I went to DLD to file a complaint. I did and now nobody knows what happen or where my money is.
I paid AED 120000 down payment and I was about to start paying monthly according to the payment plan.
I want to mention that when I paid the down payment they gave me a receipt but never told me if the money went to the escrow account where they were supposed to go.
Can someone help me, please? How do I get my money back?

May 7, 2019
1531
Time frame needed for the cancellation of purchased property and refund
0
Q: Salam.
My developer has agreed to give me a refund after AED 50000 deduction. But my concern is that they say it might take a long time. They wrote we shall issue a cancellation agreement which needs to be executed by both parties.
On submission of the documents and RERA approvals on the cancellation and refund from the escrow account, the fund will be released and your name will be de-registered against the unit in Dubai Land Department.
The above process can take anywhere between 1-3 months in normal times which we are hoping to still be able to do that now but may expect delays up to 3-6 months due to COVID-19. Can you please confirm if this is the case?

Apr 27, 2020
397
Checking for the status of a canceled project to get the money paid in escrow account
5
Q: Hi,
We invested in a project which has been canceled for the last four years.
Until now, we have not heard anything from the Dubai Courts although we registered our details with them. All the monies paid were into an escrow account.
How can we chase this up further?

Aug 27, 2020
703
Dubai developer cancels contract: What happens after 30 days?

1
Q: Hi,
When the Dubai developer issues a 30-day letter to me regarding the cancellation and termination of the contract, what should I expect from them and from the Department of Land in Dubai after the 30 days?
Kind Regards,


Oct 10, 2023
111
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allشكاوى الشيكات المتعلقة بالمعاملات العقارية بدولة الإمارات 3
تحظى المعاملات العقارية باهتمام كبير بالغ الأهمية في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة وبخاصة في إمارة دبي لما لها من شهرة واسعة النطاق في هذا المجال. لذا خصص سمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم حاكم دبي المرسوم رقم 56 لسنة 2009 الخاص بتشكيل لجنة قضائية خاصة للفصل في الشيكات المتعلقة بالمعاملات العقارية لإمارة دبي.
Apr 12, 2020
690
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148437
Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 1
This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.
Aug 14, 2008
4831
Law No. (9) of 2009 Amending Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 2
The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.
Apr 12, 2009
3125

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View allAre there any restrictions on a diplomat buying property in the UAE? 0
Hello,
Is there any restriction on a diplomat buying property in the UAE, where he works as a diplomat at his country's consulate?
Feb 20, 2025
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If someone has a case in the UAE, can they travel to another GCC country? 0
Hi.
One of my friends joined a Telegram group. They said, "We will transfer some amount to your account, and your task is to transfer this amount to another account. Once the task is completed, you will get 30 or 50 AED per task."
He completed 3 to 4 tasks, but he realized it was not good, so he stopped. After one week, when he opened his account, it was blocked, and the bank said, "We are conducting an investigation; after this, we will let you know."
After some days, he had an accident and went to his home country. He then received a call from a landline number, which was from the Abu Dhabi police station.
They said, "We have received a complaint against you; come to our investigation department." However, due to his surgery and treatment, he could not go.
After some time, his bank account was reopened, and he did not receive any further calls. I want to know, if he comes back to the UAE or goes to any other GCC country, will he face any problems?
If someone has a case in the UAE, can they travel to another GCC country?
Please advise!
Feb 17, 2025
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What can I do if my employer refuses to pay me and I have no contract? 0
Hello,
What legal action can I take in case the employer refuses to pay my salary and I don't have a contract with them?
Feb 18, 2025
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I want to open an online shop. Do I need a license to open an Etsy shop? 0
I currently live in Sharjah and have a UAE residence visa but I am not a UAE or GCC national. I want to open an online shop (Etsy or Shopify) to sell handmade items, such as crocheted goods, bookmarks, greeting cards, etc.
Do I need a license to open an Etsy shop?
If so, which license do I need to sell my products online, including UAE and worldwide?
How much would it cost me?
Can I keep my residence visa (sponsored by my father) and not change it?
Feb 14, 2025
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How can we locate a person with an ongoing legal case? 0
Hello,
I am seeking your legal advice regarding a friend who was previously imprisoned in Abu Dhabi. His case there is now closed, but he has another ongoing case in Dubai.
Currently, we have lost contact with him and are unsure of his whereabouts. How can we check where he is or access any other legal facility?
Are there legal procedures to locate a person with an ongoing case?
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View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
What can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
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Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
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I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
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Changed my mind before signing the lease agreement. Are my post-dated rent checks at risk? 0
Hello,
I recently found an apartment for rent and agreed with the agent to make payments in three installments.
I provided the agent with post-dated checks for the second and third payments and planned to transfer the first payment, deposit, and agency fee to the agent’s account once the lease agreement was finalized.
However, the lease agreement has not been finalized yet, and I have since found a better place. Since I have not signed any lease agreement, should I be concerned about the landlord cashing the checks for the second and third payments? Is it legal?
Additionally, the agent requested an extra 2,000 dirhams beyond the amount he intended to include in the lease agreement.
Mar 25, 2025
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View allIs there hope for bail in a 25-year sentence for a minor drug charge? 0
Dear Lawyers,
My brother was sentenced to 25 years in jail for a minor drug case (1 gram) on October 24, 2024. Can he get bail?
What will happen next, and what can I do to help him get released?
Kindly advise!
Nov 12, 2024
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If you had a case for defaulting on a loan and resolved it, how to clear it from the database? 0
Hello,
I have a question.
My husband had a loan 15 years ago, he had difficulty paying this loan, and the bank opened a case, which was solved, and he paid the full loan.
He is still in Dubai and has a good work position.
How is it possible to remove the solved bank case from the database to have the possibility of getting the credit card and loan?
Thank you.
Sep 16, 2024
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How can I inform authorities I signed a police statement I didn't understand? 0
Good Day,
As someone unfamiliar with local laws and a non-Arabic speaker, the police took my statement but did not provide a translation and told me to sign. I have no idea what they wrote or presented in the case.
The case is now with the Public Prosecution. What should I do to ensure the authorities are aware of this?
Sep 5, 2024
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Can I bail my husband out if I'm a visitor and provide my passport? 0
Dear Lawyers,
My husband is under investigation, and I want to get him bailed out from detention.
However, I am a visitor. Can I get him bail by providing my passport?
Aug 29, 2024
120
How can I file for divorce in the UAE as an Indian Christian with a son, and ensure custody? 0
Hi, good morning,
I’m an Indian residing in the UAE and want to apply for a divorce. My husband and I have been living separately for more than 3 years, and he has been living in India since our separation.
We are both Indians and Christians (non-Muslims). We have a son who is 8 years old now. Can you please let me know the divorce procedure if we want to proceed in the UAE, both with and without mutual consent?
Additionally, please advise on how to proceed with custody, as my son currently resides with me.
Thank you!
Aug 28, 2024
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View allThe landlord refuses to wait for days beyond rental cheque due date. What to do? 0
Dear sir/madam,
My rental cheque is due tomorrow and unfortunately, I’m not able to honor it. I asked my landlord to wait a couple of days but he doesn’t want to wait and said that he is going to cash the cheque tomorrow.
Of course, the cheque will bounce, what would be the procedure then?
Do I have a certain amount of days before eviction to pay the rent?
Sep 25, 2022
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What happens when the property is sold mid-lease? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
Does the existing tenancy contract between the tenant and the previous owner remain in force even after the new landlord has purchased the property in the middle of an ongoing lease?
And when should a new tenancy contract be made?
Should it be made immediately after the property has been sold, or at the end of the ongoing tenancy contract signed between the previous owner of the property and the tenant?
Also, does a new contract have to be in place for the tenant to exchange the cheques, or does the existing tenancy contract with the previous owner remain valid for the purpose of exchanging the cheques?
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Evicting an employee from school accommodation while a labor case is pending 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I was wrongfully terminated by my school under Article 44 on March 20th, 2023. I have a case in the labor courts, and the first hearing is on April 4th, 2023.
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Is this information correct?
I am currently unemployed and have nowhere else to go until I find another job.
Apr 3, 2023
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If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa? 0
Hi,
May you and your family be blessed.
I'm extremely tense and need your kind feedback on the following issue.
If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa?
I have been visiting Dubai on a tourist visa without any problems.
The ban was imposed because I had to leave KSA suddenly and could not return after an exit-entry, and I was unable to pay back my car EMI and credit card payment totaling 30k SAR, which I intend to pay off gradually now.
When I left KSA, they only had my fingerprints at the time. I also understand that while coming for a visit to Dubai, only a retinal scan is done.
On the other hand, when obtaining a work visa, UAE takes and registers fingerprints as well. Could this lead to any issues for me?
I have finally obtained a better-paying job after a long time and can finally save up to pay off my debts. The case registered for which the travel ban is imposed is only for SAR 16000.
As of now, I cannot afford to hire a lawyer to check in UAE.
Thank you for your help!
Mar 29, 2023
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Tenant's rights: Can my landlord evict me, raise my rent, and ban my pet? 0
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Mar 16, 2023
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View allI secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
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Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
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What can I do with the contractor I paid to build my house and disappeared before completion? 0
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Transferred within the same UAE group. What happens to my benefits and allowances? 0
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How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
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Juvenile case withdrawn, but the prosecution refuses to drop it. What happens next? 0
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